This code makes it super simple to create your own geoip server based on the brilliant MaxMind database and python libraries. Clone it, fork it (fork me? fork you!), pull request and do whatever you like to it.

An RTO is NOT an exit
All shareholders in the vendor can’t sell for 2 years. You usually won’t get cash back as a founder, usually equity. Best to base this on reaching milestones.

Be very careful about the directors selling shares – it will attract media attention

You want the cash/benefits of being a public company. You won’t remain a nimble startup

After an RTO: directors have around 12 months to execute

RTOs are unusual overseas – especially the USA. In Aus there’s a lack of money and education, plus there’s a higher share holding rate. Mining tends to be creative in how they raise money. In Perth there’s a history of people making money going from mining – tech – mining – etc.

IPOs are making a comeback but there’s plenty of mining shell companies and they are getting cheaper. It’s a great time given the mining slowdown.

You’re right, there’s a bunch of different pricing out there and it all comes down to how much work it is to specify, design, build and test your app. The way that you can help reduce the price (and the pain!) is to prototype or “wireframe” all of the functionality of the app using good old pen and paper or something like https://balsamiq.com/

Here’s some pointers I can give you:

1) As a general guide, you’d be looking at $10k+ for a custom app for both the iOS and Android platforms. We generally advise to go with one platform to begin with (usually iOS) so that you can test the market

2) There are companies out there that may consider offering you a discounted rate in exchange for equity in the idea. Search around in the local startup community.

3) Don’t try to fit too much functionality into your initial app build. Think about the minimum feature set that allows your app to accomplish its goals. If the idea catches on, it will be easier to find funding/motivation to build out more features in the future

4) If your app fits into a problem set which has already been tackled by another app company, but you just want to brand or localise it for your specific market, you may be able to save money by licensing a “white-label” version of someone else’s app. A quick google search will help you find this out. For example, I searched for a white label real estate app and found this: http://home.smarteragent.com/products/broker-white-label/ for $350/month